Compression hosiery is generally safe, but there are some circumstances in which you should avoid wearing them or consult a healthcare provider before doing so. These circumstances include:
- Peripheral Neuropathy or other sensory impairment of the legs: Individuals with decreased sensation in their legs might not notice if the stockings are too tight, which could lead to skin damage.
- Advanced Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): If your arteries are already significantly narrowed due to PAD, compression hosiery may restrict blood flow further, which can worsen the condition.
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): In some severe cases of heart failure, the increased pressure on the leg veins can make the condition worse.
- Skin Infections: If you have an infection on the leg, compression hosiery can exacerbate the problem. This also applies to conditions that affect the skin like eczema or dermatitis.
- Pulmonary Edema from Congestive Heart Failure: The increased pressure on the veins can make this condition worse.
- Recent Surgery: If you have recently had surgery on your legs, the pressure from the stockings may cause discomfort or other complications.
This is not a comprehensive list and there may be other contraindications. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting to wear compression hosiery. They can help you decide if it's a good choice for your individual health needs.